A stem cell injection is one of many ways to receive treatment with stem cells. Once inside the body, stem cells are recruited into affected areas and exert their therapeutic effects via their secretions. Stem cell injections with Golden Cells™, Stem Cell Institute’s specially-selected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are known to reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system, and help various tissues in the body to regenerate.
This article will help you understand what stem cell injections are, the science behind them, and what conditions can benefit from treatment. The process of receiving stem cell injections is also explored in depth.
What Are Stem Cell Injections?
A stem cell injection is a way to administer stem cells as a therapy. Stem cells, or more precisely mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are special cells found in the body that are able to self-renew and that have the capacity to become other cell types. MSCs are known for:
- Stimulating regeneration
- Regulating the immune system
- Reducing inflammation
Depending on the condition treated, stem cells can be injected into the muscle or a joint, or they can be administered into a vein as an infusion with a slower, continuous drip release.
The Science Behind Stem Cell Injections
The science behind stem cell injections involves the body’s natural signaling pathway in affected areas.
When a tissue or organ is injured or compromised, the body releases signaling molecules that act as distress signals, indicating that repair is needed. These signals travel through the circulatory system and attract mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the affected area. A stem cell injection provides a concentrated boost of these cells, enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate damaged tissue.
Once MSCs reach the targeted area, they begin secreting trophic factors and cytokines—molecules with regenerative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. These secretions play a critical role in supporting the repair and regeneration of inflamed or damaged tissue.
Not all MSCs are alike in terms of medicinal potential, ease of retrieval, or yield in the laboratory. MSCs from umbilical cords are much more potent than their “older” counterparts, like bone marrow-derived cells, because they are collected right after normal, healthy births. Since the body’s immune system is unable to recognize MSCs from umbilical cords as foreign, they are not rejected by the patient being treated.
Umbilical cord MSCs also modulate the immune system and control inflammation better than other stem cells. Using cells with greater therapeutic potential ensures that the body is given the best tools for healing.
After years of safely treating thousands of patients, Stem Cell Institute took note of highly successful cases and analyzed the molecular characteristics of the MSCs they received. These Golden Cells™, derived from umbilical cord tissue, were screened using high throughput screening to identify the molecules they secreted. Our current selection process results in a superior molecular signature for all treatment cells.
These superior Golden Cells™ are used at Stem Cell Institute for addressing chronic diseases, acute conditions like sports injuries, and other indications.
Conditions Treated with Stem Cell Injections
Stem cell injections can be used for any condition where muscles or joints are involved. The cells are quickly delivered to the affected area, using a needle like a normal shot.
Sports injuries to the shoulders, back, arms, or thighs can be treated with stem cell injections. In conditions such as osteoarthritis, stem cells can be injected into the affected joints, such as knees, shoulders, hips, hands, and others. Delivering stem cell injections directly into the inflamed or injured area can speed up the process of directing MSCs where they are needed.
Stem cells can also be administered using an intravenous (IV) infusion. An infusion of MSCs releases the cells into a vein. The cells then enter the bloodstream and are able to circulate in the body for a more comprehensive treatment. At Stem Cell Institute, typical treatment protocols involve three IV infusions in addition to any intra-articular or intramuscular injections provided as needed.
The Stem Cell Injection Process
The process of receiving stem cell injections at Stem Cell Institute has several stages.
Pre-treatment preparation
First, the cells must be produced at Medistem Panama, Stem Cell Institute Founder Neil Riordan, PA, PhD’s state-of-the-art laboratory. Medistem Panama is an 11,000-square-foot facility that is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001-certified and follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). It is licensed to collect, isolate, process, grow, and store a variety of stem cells, including our unique Golden Cells™.
This process begins with the collection of voluntarily donated umbilical cor
ds from healthy live births, which are scanned for sterility and infectious diseases. The tissue is then processed in the laboratory to retrieve MSCs with proprietary methods, resulting in the superior molecular signature of Golden Cells™. The cells are frozen and preserved until the time of the injection.
Injection process
At Stem Cell Institute, stem cells are administered in several ways depending on each patient’s ailment and physical condition. Patients typically receive
a minimum of three stem cell applications during the course of an entire treatment protocol. Methods of administration include intravenous (IV), intramuscular, intrathecal, and intra-articular.
Intravenous (IV)
This is the safest and simplest method for delivering the stem cell throughout the body via an IV drip. Anesthesia is not required. We may use Lidocaine topical spray to prepare the area beforehand. IV administration usually takes about 20 – 30 minutes.
Intramuscular (IM)
The stem cells are injected directly into the muscle. Intramuscular implantation is very safe and does not require anesthesia.
Intra-articular (IA)
The stem cells are injected directly into the affected joint by a licensed physician. This method is commonly used for arthritis. Intra-articular implantation is quite safe and does not usually require anesthesia.
Intrathecal
Intrathecal administration is ideal for certain neurological conditions because the stem cells are injected directly into the spinal fluid past the blood-brain barrier. This enables them to reach the spinal cord and brain. An experienced anesthesiologist injects the stem cells into the spinal canal through the lower vertebrae under local anesthesia. All lumbar puncture procedures are performed under sterile conditions.
Post-treatment care and follow-up
After receiving stem cell injections, you will be closely monitored after treatment to ensure your comfort and safety. After you return home, our medical team will continue to partner with you on your health journey. We will follow up with you at regular intervals to monitor your progress, offer support, and answer your questions.
Choose Stem Cell Institute in Panama
Stem Cell Institute is the culmination of 21+ years of research and dedicated patient care.
After years of safely administering stem cell therapy to thousands of patients, we observed remarkable improvements in patients who were treated with certain cell lines. A careful retrospective analysis pinpointed six cell lines characterized by a distinctive molecular signature: Riordan Golden Cells™. We use these superior cells for addressing chronic diseases, acute conditions like sports injuries, and other indications.
Medistem Panama, Dr. Riordan’s state-of-the-art laboratory, is a leading applied stem cell research center with products featured in numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications. This 11,000-square-foot facility is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001-certified and follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). We are partnered with top research institutions in the United States and across the globe to stay at the forefront of stem cell developments and advancements.
To ensure maximum comfort and convenience, we offer VIP airport services, ground transportation, and accommodations at the Hilton Panama hotel directly connected to our clinic. Our excellent medical experts, from nurses to doctors, will deliver personalized healthcare at every step of your treatment journey.
Are you ready to begin your stem cell treatment journey?
Find out if you’re a candidate today.
Stem cell injections can be useful to treat a variety of conditions. Stem cells can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, intra-articularly or intrathecally, depending on condition. Stem Cell Institute’s proprietary Golden Cells™ have a superior molecular signature, and thousands of patients have benefited from stem cell therapy with their regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulating properties.
Stem Cell Institute in Panama City, Panama, is at the forefront of applied stem cell research. Since our inception in 2008, we have performed over 55,000 procedures, helping thousands of families across the United States and worldwide embrace the opportunity for a better life. Our medical team prioritizes the health and well-being of all our patients through top-notch stem cell treatment and care.